Al Momoisea congratulates Cameron Robinson after a big first half penalty success.
Al Momoisea congratulates Cameron Robinson after a big first half penalty success.
NBHS 18 HBHS 13
Napier Boys' High School 1st XV rugby first five-eighth Cameron Robinson is accustomed to windswept matches after growing up in Taupo.
So it was no surprise when he handled Saturday's windy conditions with aplomb as his side upset Hastings Boys' High School with their 18-13 winin Napier. He succeeded with three of his four attempts at goal and his tactical kicks with, and into, the wind were superb.
"I played in last year's loss to Hastings, which was Napier's first in 10 years to them, so it was good to get them back," Robinson said later.
His team displayed more hunger and desire than the visitors, were more composed under pressure, superior at scrum time and scrambled better on defence. Centre Al Momoisea joined Robinson as the best of the Napier backs, while No8 Sam Pomana and openside flanker Will Tremain were tireless workers in a host pack who functioned with more cohesion than the Hastings engine room.
Unforced errors and a lack of tactical nous proved costly for Hastings.
Far too often they conceded soft turnovers because the ball was carried with one hand into the contact area and their passing from left to right was woeful.
Powerful No8 Marino Mikaele had some memorable bursts, as did fullback Danny Toala, but these deserved better outcomes.
Captain and centre Antonio Mikaele-Tuu was a threat, as was winger Albert Vosaroga-Stanley, but they did not receive enough quality ball.
Both Napier and Hastings have recorded a win and a loss to date in the Super 8 and both teams will need to improve if they are to rattle the top of the points table.
